Answered By: Gabe [Research & Writing Studio]

Last Updated: Dec 13, 2017Views: 206

1. Ask. Librarians love questions.

Call or e-mail. Don’t be shy. You can reach Gabe Gossett, Western's Extended Education librarian, at 360-650-7555 or Gabe.Gossett@wwu.edu. You can also call the Research Consultation Desk at 360-650-2836.

2. You’re a Western student now! Resistance is futile.

As such, you are entitled to the same library services and resources that on-campus students have. If you attended a different college or university in the past the library services you receive with us may be a little different. You do have interlibrary loan and borrowing privileges at Western.

3. Check out the Library Services for Extended Education web page.

It will answer many of your questions. I have instructions and links that will help you get your research underway at this site. It is located at http://libguides.wwu.edu/extended

4. You can use many of the library resources without ever leaving your home.

This includes the online databases and library catalog. Do your research in your bunny slippers! You can even have books mailed to your home. We cover the cost of shipping items to you and you cover the cost of sending them back.

5. You have a university online account. Check your WWU email account regularly. It will save you a lot of grief.

All library notifications, such as overdue notices, will go to your Western email account.

6. Your Western ID card is your library card.

If you don’t have an ID yet, it is probably on the way. If you’ve been with us for a while and don’t have one yet, pester your program director.

7. You don’t have to pay for articles when you do your research.

Start your research from the Western Libraries homepage: www.library.wwu.edu or under the Libraries tab in MyWestern. If we don’t have access to an article you need we can usually get a copy for you through Inter-Library Loan.

8. Plan ahead!

Keep in mind that we will gladly deliver materials to you but it might take a few days. Our loan department suggests to plan for 5-7 days to receive what you request, although it’s usually faster than that. Don’t wait until the last minute to request materials.

9. We charge for overdue materials.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you! It’s 50¢/day for books and a $1/day for videos. Save your money and renew your books online at https://library.wwu.edu/accounts/my-accounts or by calling circulation at 360-650-3084. If you are borrowing a book from the collection at your location ask the staff what the policies are for renewing books.

10. You may need to use other libraries in your area.

Your Western ID card can be used as a library card for all of the libraries participating in Summit (including UW). You will, however, have to register as a guest patron before using those libraries. Once you are registered you can have materials for pickup sent there. Local public and community college libraries can also be good resources. Just keep in mind that they may not have the level of research materials you need and you may not be able to check materials out at community colleges.